Yo Coffee Tech

How To Make Really Good Coffee

YO Coffeetech — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:22:30 +0000

Infinite care goes into the growing, harvesting and processing of coffee in regions around the world. Equal care goes into the skilful blending, roasting, grinding and packing of the finished product. As a result of this careful preparation, it’s possible for you to enjoy the finest cup of coffee at your local coffee shop.

But … all these efforts are wasted if your coffee is badly made. Some people like strong coffee, others like it weaker, however there are certain Do’s and Dont’s that are imperative to a good cup of coffee. It’s so easy to make really good coffee, if you follow these simple rules ….

DO’s …..

Use Quality Ingredients

….. use freshly roasted and ground coffee, then drink it fresh and hot as soon as it’s made.
Use Fresh, Clean Water

…..always start with fresh COLD water. Pre-heated water may impart an undesirable flavour to the coffee.
Serve As Soon As Possible

…..coffee tastes best if served immediately after making it. If it’s necessary to let it stand for any length of time, strain it into a thermos flask. Coffee which has cooled, cannot be re-heated without loss of flavour.
Keep Equipment Clean

….. coffee brewing equipment must be cleaned and washed thoroughly after each use. Grounds and oils quickly become rancid and the best coffee in the world, will be ruined by dirty equipment. Have a look here for the best way to keep your coffee equipment clean.

DONT’S …..

Don’t Boil Coffee
Don’t Re-use Coffee Grounds
Don’t Re-heat Coffee
Don’t Boil the Milk

Have a look here at the variety of coffee choices you can order …..

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Are You Shopping For A New Espresso Maker?

YO Coffeetech — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:01:52 +0000

Maybe you’ve been using an inexpensive coffee machine, then foregoing the early morning caffeine in your home to purchase that decadent espresso drink downtown at the local gourmet java shop.

If espresso or other coffee refreshments are a favored splurge of yours, you might like to consider purchasing a customized espresso device such as the Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine, for instance. Giving you the ability to make those great espresso beverages at your home every day.

In this post, we are going to go over a few of the benefits of this machine in addition to exactly what to consider when choosing your own personal gourmet espresso unit.

Firstly, you’ll want to take into account how automatic you would like the actual espresso creating procedure to be. There are numerous machines that could offer a range of automated processes from being manual to semi-automatic to fully computerized espresso machines.

Generally, nearly all customers probably prefer the completely automatic types of devices, like our Gaggia 90500 model. This particular machine as well as several like it, offer you a very simple experience. At the press of a button, the device will literally grind your beans, calculate your coffee as well as dispense the liquid straight into your own pre-warmed cup. Talk about an easy procedure with yummy effects!

Needless to say you will need to look at the higher price of owning a gourmet device in comparison with the standard coffee makers which could cost you a mere $20-100 roughly. Once you begin shopping around at gourmet or professional type appliances, you’ll find that they can easily cost upward of $1000.

Whether you are willing to spend that kind of money on the Gaggia Titanium Espresso unit or something similar, will depend on just how much this particular gourmet coffee routine means to you. If you are someone who only rarely indulges, then your own cash would probably be much better spent from time to time at the gourmet store across the street.

You will probably want to look at the grinding of your flavored coffee beans. Whether you purchase a device that includes grinding capabilities or you decide to buy an independent gourmet coffee grinder, you will not want to skimp on this operation.

Most of the high quality professional type machines will probably have the grinding functionality so most likely this will not be yet another purchase for you. Many machines do include the alternative of utilizing gourmet coffee which is previously ground, however utilizing the whole beans for the espresso definitely increases the high quality of the experience.

Take the time to do your homework on the internet prior to making your decision. There are several prime manufacturers that you should know of. These include the Gaggia manufacturer that’s been described here and some other popular espresso machine brands to check out are Jura-Capresso, Breville and Faema just to name a few. These names ought to pop up within your online research and finding the time to read exactly what other people have to say of the various models could tremendously assist you regarding the choice that might be the most suitable to your own needs.

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Espresso Coffee Machines From Italy From Europe Are The Finest

YO Coffeetech — Sun, 09 May 2010 13:08:40 +0000

Do you want to buy your own espresso machine but not sure how to choose from the many espresso machines found in the stores? If you do not know how they work, it is hard to ask the correct questions when considering buying a machine.

Hot water – around 90 degrees centigrade, is forced under pressure through coffee grounds. The pressures can be quite high – in some cases as much as 9 bars. If the coffee is of a high quality and the grind is fine enough, the machine will extract the coffee oils and produce a smooth, creamy shot of espresso.

Assuming the pump is already primed and the water has been heated, a decent machine will bang out a double shot within about 25 seconds, all things being equal. The grinding of the coffee in the first instance makes a difference to how long this takes. But – by and large, finer blend will of course flow much quicker through the espresso machine than a coarser blend of coffee. See this article for more details: Espresso coffee resource.

You will probably need a device such as a steam wand if you are also looking to make milk based drinks like a cappuccino. Just before the coffee is served a steam wand is used to froth the milk to make a cappuccino-type of drink. The choice of espresso makers can be overwhelming. There are what is called the pump driven espresso machine, steam espresso machines, stove top espresso machines, piston driven espresso machine and last but not least the automatic and super automatic espresso makers.

Making a good shot of espresso needs the basic ingredients to be right – and that starts with the coffee. The coffee you choose will need to be picked especially for your tastes and the type of machine you buy if you are going to get that perfect shot.

What you do not want is coffee that has been very dark roasted as this tends to lose some of the essential oils and affect the sweetness.

Bitter after tastes can be left if the beans have been roasted too much and a charcoal flavor remains. Many tap waters are heavily treated and can leave a nasty taste when distilled down to a shot of espresso – if this is the case, use filtered or bottled water. The espresso machine you pick must also be able to consistently heat the water to the same temperature every time and this needs to be around 95 degrees c.

Visit here for an interesting and fun review of the best espresso machines – by Mark Knowles at http://hubpages.com/hub/espresso-machines

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How to Choose a Good Coffee

YO Coffeetech — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:23:52 +0000

Ever love a great cup of coffee each morning? For many individuals, early morning java is really as much an integral part of the everyday regimen as cleaning one’s teeth. Whether you purchase and make your own, stop at one of several favorite coffee houses on the way to work or count on your fresh new coffee beans from the Coffee of the Month Club, this is one beverage that can truly be described as a difficult routine to break.

In this article, we will discuss some points regarding the way to pick the best coffee mix for you and your family. Especially if you’re in to grinding your own unique coffee beans, there are issues that you could be seeking in order to guarantee quality as well as freshness.

A terrific way to get started if you’re a new comer to sipping this delicious beverage, would be to taste from a multitude of coffee mixes. This could be the best way to discover if you like capuccinos which are mild, moderate or dark mixes. You will find several different ways that you could achieve this very first task.

Visit one of your preferred shops such as Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee & Tea or Seattle’s Best Coffee to name some illustrations. Better still is if you recognize a smaller premium coffee shop where someone might have some great knowledge to provide concerning the mixes of the coffees offered there and allow you to taste several different types.

Another great method would be to take part in a coffee of the month plan where you would routinely receive a few various blends of coffees each month. These are delivered to your front doorstep and usually include many different types of coffees from spectacular destinations worldwide.

Learn about the various regions around the world which are renowned for developing quality coffee beans. Several well-known coffee blends originate from Latin American nations for example. It may be beneficial to understand the flavour for the various blends that complement the tastes that you appreciate the most so you can focus on coffees from that specific place.

Make sure that you are aware of what you need to be seeking if you’re purchasing and grinding your own coffee beans. You want to choose coffee beans which are of fresh quality. This implies that they shouldn’t be damaged or splintered. Believe in your perception associated with sight and smell when selecting coffee beans from a bin and again, taste many kinds until you obtain the types that fit you the most.

Not surprisingly there are many elements you can also add to your coffee and this is another item that the newbie coffee drinker may wish to test out. Do you choose your coffee black or with cream or milk? Do you require sugar or sugar substitute along with your coffee to sweeten it just a touch? There are also a multitude of great syrups and flavored creamers that you could add to your coffee for a level of sweet taste.

Whether you choose to buy your coffee from the local supermarket, an online Coffee Club or even at the community Starbucks down the street, spend time working out the mixes that you appreciate the most. Above all else, always take pleasure in that morning brew and wonderful little caffeine practice so many of us have learned to love.

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Espresso Buffs: Is it a Good Idea to Invest in a Home Espresso Machine?

YO Coffeetech — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:44:24 +0000

While a lot of of us have considered brewing our own espresso, it has often seemed to complicated, or too costly. Even so, there is a large selection of espresso coffee makers that you can purchase for use at home. That is to say that you could undoubtedly acquire one that’ll do the job. Picking out the correct one can be tricky, however.

A number of these machines are convenient to use and make a terrific coffee shop espresso. Others are complex, and create a less tasty finished product. This simple guide will help you select the espresso machine that’s perfect for use in your household.

A home espresso machine will allow you to savour espresso, cappuccino, or any other coffee drink without the need for leaving your home. To start with, give some thought to the expense of your new espresso machine. The market’s inundated with less expensive models, but not all of them are going to be up to the challenge. Espresso machines start at approximately two hundred dollars, with prices ascending to a thousand dollars for high-end home models. The superior models start around three hundred dollars, and include many more features. As an illustration, automatic models are high priced, but may very well be worth the cost. They are simpler to operate, and let you get more out of them for less work. Keep in mind – if an espresso machine seems overly costly, think about how much you shell out at your coffee shop each week.

Be ready to pay out for a reliable model that will be simple to use, rather than a more inexpensive, lower caliber one. If you are looking for a commercial style model, you will probably need to spend a good deal more, so consider that. There are three fundamental ways your espresso machine will work. Steam espresso machines are the most cost effective and have been around for the longest time. They do not have moving parts, and will probably need a certain amount of expertise on your part.

Better quality models are pump or piston operated, and could be automatic. The level of automation will affect how easy the model is to operate and its cost. Low priced, simple models are operated entirely by hand, while a semi automatic model delivers water by a pump. Automatic models can sense the water quantity and shut down the pump when necessary. Top quality, fully automatic models will do everything for you. The only thing you need to do is keep the hopper filled with beans. This kind of machine produces an excellent, dependable espresso, but the price is higher. Be willing to shell out a little money if you have a preference for fully automatic espresso machines.

Irrespective of what type of automatic espresso maker you pick, long lasting construction and quality are important. But bear in mind, you must be ready to look after any model to keep it working properly. Don’t forget to think about cleaning and other servicing when selecting a new espresso machine, so it will keep turning out the best coffee.

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How To Make Espresso Coffee …..

YO Coffeetech — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:37:24 +0000

Switch on your machine.
Let your machine rise to a working pressure temperature of 1 Bar (this should take between 15 to 20 minutes).
Grind the fresh roasted beans stored in the hopper of your grinder ( about 250 grams).
Put the filter holder under the discharge spout of the grinder and pull the lever ONCE to discharge approx. 7 grams of the freshly ground coffee into the filter cup. Remove the filter cup from the grinder. Tap it slightly on the palm of your hand to spread the coffee evenly, then press it down with your hand tamper or the tamper affixed to your grinder.
Remove any excess coffee grains from the rim / edge of the filter holder.
Hook the filter holder onto the group head by placing it into position with a twisting action to set it against the rubber seal in the group head. Locking it with the bayonet catch action and the ears of the filter holder (without tightening it too hard – to avoid rapid wearing of the rubber seal).
Select and press the button for your choice of delivery eg one or two cups or continuous. If you want to stop the delivery ahead of time, press the STOP button. Every time you press a button, the relative LED light will light up until the operation has finished.

Now head along to see how to make a large variety of Espressos.

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How To Make Frothed Milk …..

YO Coffeetech — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:32:34 +0000

Use cold milk (maximum 4^oC), best if whole or full cream milk (3 – 3.5% fat).
Fill a metal jug ¹/₃ to ¹/₂ full.
Bleed the steam wand to remove any water that may have condensed inside of it.
Submerge the tip of the steam wand 1 – 2 cm under the surface of the milk.
Turn on the steam. Check the milk for air mix. Do not raise the steam wand above the milk surface, position the jug so that the steam pulls the bubbles down into the milk and slowly swills the milk around in the jug.
Hold the jug slanted and keep the steam wand neither in its centre nor against its side.
Check the temperature with your hand on the bottom of the jug.
Turn steam off when the jug gets too hot to hold.
Raise the steam wand, clean the outside with a damp cloth and give it a burst of steam to clean the inside.
Swirl the jug to stabilize any surface bubbles and also to break larger bubbles.
Pour some liquid milk into the cup by slanting the jug.
Shaking and slanting the jug slightly and using a spoon to assist, let the froth fall until the cup is full.

Note: NEVER reheat milk. Always add COLD milk (maximum 4^oC) to left over milk in the jug.

Technorati Tags: cappuccino, espresso, frothed milk, how to make frothed milk

How To Regenerate Your Water Softener

YO Coffeetech — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:28:17 +0000

Regenerating your softener depends on the hardness of your water and the volume of water which has passed through the resin in the softener. Approximate time = 30 to 45 minutes.

NB If your water has a high chlorine or chemical content, it’s advisable to install a suitable filter after the pressure regulating valve and before the water softener.

Determine the hardness of your water, to indicate the regularity required to regenerate your softener. Either ask your municipality or purchase a water testing kit (from any aquarium or swimming pool supplies outlet). Normal hardness = 4^o to 9^oFr (definitely not more than 15^oFr), regenerate every 2 to 3 weeks. The harder the water the more often you need to regenerate your softener.
Quantity of salt required depends on the size of your softener. The guidelines to follow are …

8 litres = 500 gms

12 litres = 1 kg

When regenerating the Water Softener, switch the machine off and do not dispense any coffee or hot water or steam from this machine, so as to prevent any salt getting into the boiler.
Close the water supply tap (just before the flexible hose).
Attached to the top tap of the softener is a short open plastic tube. Holding the end of this tube over a bucket, turn this top tap on the softener 180^o. This vents the pressure in the softener to release water (about 500ml from the softener to be able to replace this water with the salt).
Loosen the knob at the top of the softener and remove the bridge piece to remove the lid.
Pour in the salt. If there’s not enough room for the salt, open the bottom tap by turning it 180^oto release more water.
Open the bottom tap of the softener 180^oto the drain position. Position the plastic drain pipe into the drain or a bucket.
Turn the top tap back to its original position ie 180^oto allow water to re-enter the softener, open the water supply tap (before the flexible hose). Keep watching the water level rising in the softener.
When the water level reaches the brim of the softener, wipe off any scum that may have floated up and close the water supply tap, then replace the lid complete with the bridge piece.
Ensuring the bottom tap is open to the drain position and the top tap is open for the supply position, slowly open the water supply tap to the softener.
There will be a small overflow of water from the bottom tap’s plastic tube. This salt will be drained out of the softener as waste to the drain or bucket. This should be a slow trickle ie 250ml per minute and not apparent water under pressure . If the water comes out fast, close the water supply tap to regulate the flow to 250ml per minute.
After three minutes, taste the water to ensure the salt is starting to go through the softener. Keep sampling the water coming from this waste tube at 5 minute intervals, until the water is clear of salt.
When there’s no more salt taste, turn the bottom tap 180^oback to its original position. This allows the water to travel to the machine again.
Both taps should be pointing parallel to the flexible metal hoses. ie water being fed into the softener and out of the softener to the machine.
Ensure the water supply tap is fully open and switch the machine on again.
Check that the water pressure gauge reads between 2 and 4 Bars ie its normal operating position and that the water level in the water level sight glass is at the normal level.
Press the group head operating button, causing the pump to deliver water and read the pressure on the gauge which should be between 7 to 9 Bars.
Listen to the pump operation to ensure sound is normal ie not running noisily. If running noisily, check the water supply tap is fully open.
- Position 1 = normal running for the machine
- Position 2 = release of pressure from the softener and draining of water to lower water level, allowing salt to be added.
- Position 3 = regeneration, with the softener lid replaced and closed the salty water running to waste.
- Position 4 = backwash where 5 litres of water under pressure is passed through the softener to the drain.
- Back to Position 1 for normal operation.

Softener models with a single valve make regeneration simpler but still require the manual addition of salt.

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Yo Coffee Tech

How To Make Really Good Coffee

DO’s …..

Use Quality Ingredients

Use Fresh, Clean Water

Serve As Soon As Possible

Keep Equipment Clean

DONT’S …..

Don’t Boil Coffee

Don’t Re-use Coffee Grounds

Don’t Re-heat Coffee

Don’t Boil the Milk